Henry, 45, who represents North Baltimore, said he is running in the 43rd senate district to be address to address "important issues" on the state level, including liquor regulation and school funding.

“I love the job I have now ... but I believe I can help even more in the State Senate," Henry said in a statement.

During his tenure on the City Council, Henry has gained a reputation as an active and independent voice. He's introduced legislation aimed at weakening Baltimore's "strong mayor" system of government, called on the state to cover costs from Maryland's tax bill errors, and opposed the $107 million in public financing for the waterfront Harbor Point development, arguing for a smaller incentive package. He's also backed legislation to limit Ticketmaster's so-called "convenience fees" and supported a billboard tax to help the city's budget.

Henry lives in the Radnor-Winston neighborhood with his wife Ruth and their two daughters, both of whom attend Baltimore City Public Schools.

Conway, a state senator since 1997, is the chair of the senate committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs.

She said Thursday she wasn't particularly concerned about Henry's challenge, and believes she has a strong record that is popular with Baltimore residents.

"Anyone who wants to run can run," she said. "You have to be careful and deliberate and you campaign."

Last legislative session, Conway played a key role in advocating for $1.1 billion in construction funding for Baltimore schools and led a last-minute charge to delay the implementation of the stormwater management fee, which critics deride as "the rain tax."

She said residents in her district remain "very disturbed and angry" about the fee.

"Not only do I work, I work hard," Conway said. "My work has spoken well of the community."

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan pledged bipartisanship and offered a conciliatory tone during his snowy inauguration Wednesday, promising "to create an environment of trust and cooperation, where the best ideas rise to the top based on upon their merit."

Advocates for programs spending state dollars on stem cell research or investment in technology companies were nervous about what Gov. Larry Hogan's budget would hold for them, given warnings of "strong medicine" to cure fiscal woes.

Calling it a first step toward fully restoring the death penalty in Maryland, Del. Pat McDonough said he plans to introduce a bill that would mandate capital punishment for anyone convicted of killing a police or correctional officer, a firefighter or witness during the performance of their duty.

Marilyn J. Mosby was formally sworn in as Baltimore's top prosecutor Thursday night, and pledged to work for justice for crime victims, the innocent, and minorities who are affected disproportionately by the legal system.